30 MARCH 2010 DOUBLE KORCE AND MIROPAFSHIM!
Time to complete my previous entry!
On Friday morning, with the good support of Sister Lalini and her Shqip teacher, Nadia, I met with Dr. KORCE. Very quickly, he put on a light gauze bandage-sling and shook hands saying - "We do not set bones here. Come back and see me in six weeks"
Later, options were discussed - Greek Hospital in Thessalonica, Orhid in Macedonia or Belfast. For me, especially from the language point of view, I happily chose to go to Ireland. Travel plans have taken a little time. I leave today on the only direct flight there is to London, due to arrive there just before midnight. Please God by tomorrow I'll be at the source of help and hopefully on the road to return to KORCE. For now, its MIROPAFSHIM or AU REVOIR.
I plan to give a little update, but not many, over the next few weeks - maybe a 'Progress Report' or two! In the meantime, a happy Easter with many good moments and safe travelling too!
To be continued!
Monday, 29 March 2010
COLOUR CHANGE, FEAST OF ANNUNCIATION
29 MARCH 2010 COLOUR CHANGE, FEAST OF ANNUNCIATION
About two weeks ago, I thought about a change of colour for Spring! What a surprise when past entries freshened up as well!
The feast of ANNUNCIATION brought our God of Surprises fully alive. We had had our young adults here the previous evening practising their Easter dance for two hours, so the festive season seemed very close indeed.
During Thursday morning my apartment companion stumbled on the road, managing some minor damage to one knee and an ankle. In the afternoon, just as she returned with this news, I was leaving for our Communion Service. We spoke a little, so then I made haste. Seeing a little length of footpath, I decided to leave our cobblestones. In making the transition, I tripped/slipped and hit a wall! As I walked on, I decided to changed direction and head for the nearby hospital! Some minutes later, armed with an X-ray, I met Dr. Korce. His nurse assistant sewed my blouse onto my T-shirt and I arrived home literally in stitches, much to the amusement of the Sisters. I also had an invitation to return on Friday morning! So, this entry is necessarily incomplete due to "Work in Progress" - watch this space!
Every blessing for Holy Week.
About two weeks ago, I thought about a change of colour for Spring! What a surprise when past entries freshened up as well!
The feast of ANNUNCIATION brought our God of Surprises fully alive. We had had our young adults here the previous evening practising their Easter dance for two hours, so the festive season seemed very close indeed.
During Thursday morning my apartment companion stumbled on the road, managing some minor damage to one knee and an ankle. In the afternoon, just as she returned with this news, I was leaving for our Communion Service. We spoke a little, so then I made haste. Seeing a little length of footpath, I decided to leave our cobblestones. In making the transition, I tripped/slipped and hit a wall! As I walked on, I decided to changed direction and head for the nearby hospital! Some minutes later, armed with an X-ray, I met Dr. Korce. His nurse assistant sewed my blouse onto my T-shirt and I arrived home literally in stitches, much to the amusement of the Sisters. I also had an invitation to return on Friday morning! So, this entry is necessarily incomplete due to "Work in Progress" - watch this space!
Every blessing for Holy Week.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
MOUNTAIN 'RESEARCH' AND THIS WEEK!
23 MARCH 2010 MOUNTAIN 'RESEARCH' AND THIS WEEK!
On Saturday last we went on a little mountain 'research' trip. We were 500 metres higher than Korce. At 1,300 metres above sea-level we had brilliant sunshine and a fair amount of the fast-disappearing snow. I refer to the 'research' dimension of our journey - we wanted to see if this would suit for a "visitor's tour" .........!
This week is a little different as there is the Muslim welcoming of Spring. Monday was a Bank and School Holiday. We were unaware of this until it was too late to cancel our classes but we were happy to continue as usual. There were some festive fires at the weekend and also a traditional biscuit made and enjoyed mainly in the city of Elbason. We were invited to visit a Muslim family. We were welcomed by a grandmother, mother and daughter. Granny had come along specially to meet us. She spoke vividly of her difficult life during the Communist regime. She wept as she spoke - her memories are very fresh. We ate fruit and sipped a strange non-alcoholic concoction!
On my return, I opened the computer and a young teacher from Ballina, Co.Mayo had just been able to make SKYPE contact with me for the first time!. We had been on the Orientation for Mission Course together at Kimmage in Dublin. She is now in Brazil and we really enjoyed catching up with one another. She told me I am the only person from the course with whom she has contact. I began to realize the importance for us of Skype; though, in fact, we did not have it for the rest of the weekend! Even now and then it is a great means of communication.
May the blessing of Spring stay with us from now onwards!
On Saturday last we went on a little mountain 'research' trip. We were 500 metres higher than Korce. At 1,300 metres above sea-level we had brilliant sunshine and a fair amount of the fast-disappearing snow. I refer to the 'research' dimension of our journey - we wanted to see if this would suit for a "visitor's tour" .........!
This week is a little different as there is the Muslim welcoming of Spring. Monday was a Bank and School Holiday. We were unaware of this until it was too late to cancel our classes but we were happy to continue as usual. There were some festive fires at the weekend and also a traditional biscuit made and enjoyed mainly in the city of Elbason. We were invited to visit a Muslim family. We were welcomed by a grandmother, mother and daughter. Granny had come along specially to meet us. She spoke vividly of her difficult life during the Communist regime. She wept as she spoke - her memories are very fresh. We ate fruit and sipped a strange non-alcoholic concoction!
On my return, I opened the computer and a young teacher from Ballina, Co.Mayo had just been able to make SKYPE contact with me for the first time!. We had been on the Orientation for Mission Course together at Kimmage in Dublin. She is now in Brazil and we really enjoyed catching up with one another. She told me I am the only person from the course with whom she has contact. I began to realize the importance for us of Skype; though, in fact, we did not have it for the rest of the weekend! Even now and then it is a great means of communication.
May the blessing of Spring stay with us from now onwards!
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
"Echo Test"! Saint Patrick's Day
17 MARCH 2010 "ECHO TEST"! SAINT PATRICK'S DAY.
On Monday last, I accompanied a neighbour, Ola, at her request, to our local clinic. As we returned, Ola asked me to go to the hospital with her for an "Echo Test". The visit really extended my language skills beyond their 'comfort zone'! However, I was delighted to view the baby, due in August please God, and to listen to its strong heartbeat. This was my third such visit to the clinic here - a new venture for me!
Yesterday, Lalini and I went to Tirana. It was much more Springlike there - cherry blossoms everywhere and I saw my first daffodils and violets of the year! We had been asked to suggest names for our new trafficking group. From my limited vocabulary, I suggested the word "URAT" which means "the bridges". In view of all the connections we have to buid up among ourselves and key persons in the field, the group accepted this name. I think of it as Uniting Religious Against Trafficking. There is no similar wording in Shqip, but we decided the symbol is sufficient.
Saint Patrick's Day must surely begin with a huge "Thank you" for the cards of all shapes and sizes that have arrived in recent days to welcome the feast. They came from Singapore and New York and many places in between! They truly made a difference to the day especially those with Irish Music in the background! Our Bishop has just telephoned now to add his greetings.
Slan limh go leir!!!
On Monday last, I accompanied a neighbour, Ola, at her request, to our local clinic. As we returned, Ola asked me to go to the hospital with her for an "Echo Test". The visit really extended my language skills beyond their 'comfort zone'! However, I was delighted to view the baby, due in August please God, and to listen to its strong heartbeat. This was my third such visit to the clinic here - a new venture for me!
Yesterday, Lalini and I went to Tirana. It was much more Springlike there - cherry blossoms everywhere and I saw my first daffodils and violets of the year! We had been asked to suggest names for our new trafficking group. From my limited vocabulary, I suggested the word "URAT" which means "the bridges". In view of all the connections we have to buid up among ourselves and key persons in the field, the group accepted this name. I think of it as Uniting Religious Against Trafficking. There is no similar wording in Shqip, but we decided the symbol is sufficient.
Saint Patrick's Day must surely begin with a huge "Thank you" for the cards of all shapes and sizes that have arrived in recent days to welcome the feast. They came from Singapore and New York and many places in between! They truly made a difference to the day especially those with Irish Music in the background! Our Bishop has just telephoned now to add his greetings.
Slan limh go leir!!!
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
SERENITY HOTEL, WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN ALBANIA
10 MARCH 2010 SERENITY HOTEL, WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN ALBANIA
On Monday, Lalini, Mirjam and I left for Tirana. Our first stop was a satisfactory visit to the Macedonian Embassy. We left armed with two Visa application forms for Amira and Lalini.
We went to the Caritas Hotel where we had booked. We were not happy with their setup and contacted Sr.Imelda Poole. With her help, we stayed at the Serenity Hotel and it was just that!! Really comfortable, central, economical, opposite the Jesuit Church, and close to our conference venue - the Tirana International Hotel. The conference was a valuable contribution to our inculturation -"Women's Rights in Albania for Freedom, Justice and to speak their Truth" Based on a survey of 440 Albanian women it was key to our day. We were given a clear picture of their very difficult situation. A film based on the survey interviews was most enlightening.
Thank God we had a really good journey back to Korce. There had been heavy snow but the roads were quite clear and dry for most of the journey. Today we have a blizzard unlike anything we have experienced so far!!
On Monday, Lalini, Mirjam and I left for Tirana. Our first stop was a satisfactory visit to the Macedonian Embassy. We left armed with two Visa application forms for Amira and Lalini.
We went to the Caritas Hotel where we had booked. We were not happy with their setup and contacted Sr.Imelda Poole. With her help, we stayed at the Serenity Hotel and it was just that!! Really comfortable, central, economical, opposite the Jesuit Church, and close to our conference venue - the Tirana International Hotel. The conference was a valuable contribution to our inculturation -"Women's Rights in Albania for Freedom, Justice and to speak their Truth" Based on a survey of 440 Albanian women it was key to our day. We were given a clear picture of their very difficult situation. A film based on the survey interviews was most enlightening.
Thank God we had a really good journey back to Korce. There had been heavy snow but the roads were quite clear and dry for most of the journey. Today we have a blizzard unlike anything we have experienced so far!!
Sunday, 7 March 2010
BELFAST CALLS; INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
7 MARCH 2010 BELFAST CALLS AND INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Today began with an early morning telephone call from the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast! Wilma, a Protestant woman, known to us over the years in Sussex Place, got a blackout in the city-centre and wanted to get in touch. I thought it caring of the hospital to call and I had a nice chat with Wilma!
About two weeks ago, I noted that today was my day to arrange our Sunday hour of prayer. I asked the Sisters if could we have prayer for International Women's Day and invite women to join us. We had a beautiful service this afternoon. There were 21of us. The group included one child, Joanna, and a young Catholic boy, Emmanuel. We used English, French and Shqip. Amira read the core Scripture of the Canaanite woman in Arabic, then it was dramatized in English and again read in Shqip. People shared prayers very simply, - we were six nationalities! We had Greek Orthodox persons, Protestant Evangelicals, Catholics from our own church and a few who are unbaptised. We are truly delighted and there was a great atmosphere after as we shared fruit juice and delicious cake made by Amira. Maria, our local church "leader" proposed we follow today with an outing after Easter! We felt our venture was worthwhile and a new event for KORCE too!
Today began with an early morning telephone call from the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast! Wilma, a Protestant woman, known to us over the years in Sussex Place, got a blackout in the city-centre and wanted to get in touch. I thought it caring of the hospital to call and I had a nice chat with Wilma!
About two weeks ago, I noted that today was my day to arrange our Sunday hour of prayer. I asked the Sisters if could we have prayer for International Women's Day and invite women to join us. We had a beautiful service this afternoon. There were 21of us. The group included one child, Joanna, and a young Catholic boy, Emmanuel. We used English, French and Shqip. Amira read the core Scripture of the Canaanite woman in Arabic, then it was dramatized in English and again read in Shqip. People shared prayers very simply, - we were six nationalities! We had Greek Orthodox persons, Protestant Evangelicals, Catholics from our own church and a few who are unbaptised. We are truly delighted and there was a great atmosphere after as we shared fruit juice and delicious cake made by Amira. Maria, our local church "leader" proposed we follow today with an outing after Easter! We felt our venture was worthwhile and a new event for KORCE too!
Friday, 5 March 2010
ULLI RESTAURANT, MACEDONIAN "HICCUP"!
5 MARCH 2010 ULLI RESTAURANT, MACEDONIAN "HICCUP"!
On Wednesday last we finally accepted an invitation from our proprietor, Bea, and drove with her to the almost-completed ULLI Restaurant! This is a new high-risk venture of her sister Luma with her husband Ulli. Its about 10-12 kms. from Korce and is very elaborate. We were eight, and a few enjoyed mountain rainbow trout caught in a nearby stream. We managed to stop and see that stream on our way back!
I think the restaurant will open for business tomorrow.
Yesterday, at 2.30, when Lalini had finished her Shqip class and Mirjam got back from giving her German class at Preca College, we set off for Macedonia. We went mainly to regularise the car. We had a "hiccup" at the second frontier when Lalini was refused admission - Macedonia has "no agreement with Sri Lanka" and Sister produced her Belgian card a little late. We had to retrace our steps to Tushemisht village where we left Lalini in a hotel - this took about five minutes. Our second exit and entry took so long, as all our papers had to be re-examined following our five-minute exit, we almost gave up! We got to Orhid and the three of us relaxed a little. Our visit ended with Mass in Croatian! We hope to settle the visa "hiccup" next week, please God, in Tirana.
Have a good weekend!
On Wednesday last we finally accepted an invitation from our proprietor, Bea, and drove with her to the almost-completed ULLI Restaurant! This is a new high-risk venture of her sister Luma with her husband Ulli. Its about 10-12 kms. from Korce and is very elaborate. We were eight, and a few enjoyed mountain rainbow trout caught in a nearby stream. We managed to stop and see that stream on our way back!
I think the restaurant will open for business tomorrow.
Yesterday, at 2.30, when Lalini had finished her Shqip class and Mirjam got back from giving her German class at Preca College, we set off for Macedonia. We went mainly to regularise the car. We had a "hiccup" at the second frontier when Lalini was refused admission - Macedonia has "no agreement with Sri Lanka" and Sister produced her Belgian card a little late. We had to retrace our steps to Tushemisht village where we left Lalini in a hotel - this took about five minutes. Our second exit and entry took so long, as all our papers had to be re-examined following our five-minute exit, we almost gave up! We got to Orhid and the three of us relaxed a little. Our visit ended with Mass in Croatian! We hope to settle the visa "hiccup" next week, please God, in Tirana.
Have a good weekend!
Monday, 1 March 2010
SPRING ARRIVES WITH A FLOURISH!
1st. MARCH 2010 SPRING ARRIVES WITH A FLOURISH!
Spring has arrived with a flourish! As we finished Evening Prayer yesterday evening we saw the fires on the hills around Korce. Two were particularly bright and an impressive size, so Mirjam got some excellent photos. Later, Lalini and I went to nearby waste ground that had another fire. We walked in the city and saw two more with another by the Cathedral that had just finished. Then today, in each Orthodox home they bake KULACE - a cake with figs, nuts and raisins. We had no less than three sets of visitors bringing us this cake and assuring us we would have a good summer. This does not sound very much like Lent! My Albanian teacher had told me of these traditions. I will now have to hear and see what will happen later in the month for the Muslim Spring celebration!
We also had the Bishop for Mass yesterday and he dined here with us afterwards. We were very glad he promised to do his best to visit us at Easter. He will be en route to the Czech Republic, but luckily they will travel via Macedonia, which hopefully will enable him to divert in this direction during Easter week.
Blessings and prayers especially for those in recent fracture accidents.
Spring has arrived with a flourish! As we finished Evening Prayer yesterday evening we saw the fires on the hills around Korce. Two were particularly bright and an impressive size, so Mirjam got some excellent photos. Later, Lalini and I went to nearby waste ground that had another fire. We walked in the city and saw two more with another by the Cathedral that had just finished. Then today, in each Orthodox home they bake KULACE - a cake with figs, nuts and raisins. We had no less than three sets of visitors bringing us this cake and assuring us we would have a good summer. This does not sound very much like Lent! My Albanian teacher had told me of these traditions. I will now have to hear and see what will happen later in the month for the Muslim Spring celebration!
We also had the Bishop for Mass yesterday and he dined here with us afterwards. We were very glad he promised to do his best to visit us at Easter. He will be en route to the Czech Republic, but luckily they will travel via Macedonia, which hopefully will enable him to divert in this direction during Easter week.
Blessings and prayers especially for those in recent fracture accidents.
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